Thursday Farms: Raising turkeys

lorennys (67)in #farms • 6 years ago

Knowing that turkeys are very sensitive to diseases, especially in the first phase of life, it is very important that the breeder keep in mind that you should never leave these, along with other birds in the first 90 days of life. The worst villains for the breeding of turkeys, that is, those who can thus endanger the success of the breeding, are the chickens. They transmit diseases such as entero-hepatitis, one of the most serious for turkeys.

Respecting that premise, there will be no contamination of the breeding of turkeys by viruses or bacteria. In this way, the growth of the birds will be guaranteed. After the 90 days of life, the puppies become much more resistant and, then, they can mix to the others.

Food

The diet of the turkeys, in addition to insects and grains, clean and fresh water, can be done through the application of balanced ration and green feed. In case of fattening, it is also allowed the supply of other foods, such as fruits, vegetables and even food remains. As for the ration, the turkeys consume, on average, 35 kilos from birth to the time of slaughter.

Reproduction

Only healthy birds of good provenance can be selected for breeding. It is important that the males are not much heavier than the females and each male will be able to serve 8 to 10 females. When courting, the male releases a characteristic sound of the species, attracting the female. After copulation, the female lays 8 to 15 eggs. 25 to 30 days after the puppies are born.

Eggs achieved by the natural method

These are always protected by their mothers. It is recommended that the puppies are placed in a room, a shed or a large cage with the floor covered in bed (of fine marigold, milled soap or other absorbent material), cloth or wooden slats in the first days, so that they do not have contact with the soil.

Eggs achieved by the artificial method

When they are born by artificial means, the puppies must be in nurseries, batteries, or on the floor of a bed, up to 9 or 10 weeks. Only after that period will the small birds be able to leave, remaining, in short, at liberty. It is at that time that vaccination against bouba should be given.

Some details must be respected, including:

Avoid humidity and strong sun.
Provide adequate place for birds considering that one square meter is enough to keep 10 puppies.
Sex determination, if necessary, can be done using the same method adopted for chicks.
In the first 2 or 3 days of age, the chickens feed on crushed corn, chopped boiled eggs, chopped greens, sand with milk and bread, and then a mashed or balanced diet containing 23-28% protein. Recent studies advise 26% of proteins in the ration.
Skimmed milk is one of the most complete foods, being of great value in the feeding of turkeys of all ages, but it is necessary that they be provided boiled and fresh.
During the first month of life, the offspring will receive the initial feeding, then receive the specific feed for growth, that is, the one that contains 18 to 20% of protein. In the absence of this, they can consume the same ration of adults.
When necessary, provide them with vitamins A, C and D, which is commercially available and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Up to 3 months, they should be protected from the sun, rain, wind and humidity.